Mariah Carey Announces New Record Label Imprint, Album Due Later in 2017

The Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel powerhouse singer with 18 No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits — not everybody has that — just announced an "exclusive joint venture" today (Apr. 10) with Epic Records and longtime collaborator LA Reid, resulting in the creation of the oh-so-Mariah-sounding Butterfly MC Records.

"Terms of the agree­ment call for additional repertoire by the artist, beginning with a new studio album expected later this year," the Epic Records press release proclaims.

“To continue working with Mariah Carey at Epic has been another rewarding chapter of my career. Mariah’s incomparable talents as a singer, with her vocal range that is nothing short of legendary, are matched by her brilliance as a songwriter, producer, and performer par excellence. Mariah’s chart records have established her enduring place in music history, a position that is cherished and supported by her loyal fans worldwide. I look forward to building upon all of Mariah’s success for years to come," says LA Reid.

Although Mariah explained to fans as recently as February that she'd rather focus on singles than an album while promoting "I Don't (feat. YG)" earlier this year, Mariah's evidently changed her tune, and is now ready to provide the Lambily with even more sweet, sweet melodies this year.

“I am putting my heart and soul into making more new music. I am so thrilled for this next chapter and to continue working with, and for, everyone that I love," she says.

This isn't the first time Mariah launched her own imprint, either: she created MonarC Entertainment under Island Records in 2002 for Charmbracelet before shutting it down two years later. Prior to that, she founded the short-lived Crave Records under Sony in 1997, signing acts like R&B troupe Allure, 7 Mile and Jakaranda.

The singer is also set to return to Las Vegas in July for her residency, and is heading out on the road with Lionel Richie. Mariah's last studio album, Me. I Am Mariah..The Elusive Chanteuse, was released in May of 2014. Her greatest hits compilation, #1 to Infinity, was released in May of 2015.